Effective & legal ways of preventing parking in my car park?
Discussion
A while ago I parked legally in the road against the kerb. I hadn't realised that a warehouse type place was adjacent and they had a roller shutter to the pavement.
Went out on the piss. Next day had a message from the flat security where I lived that the police wanted me.
my car was found abandoned in the road and looked like it had been in an accident. Had bwen towed and was in the pound.
Picked up car and paid the fine next day had clearly been lifted by a fork lift and dumped.
Car was f
ked. Both doors bent and sill bent.
complained to the police. They totally couldn't give a monkeys. They still thought I had dumped it after an accident whilst pissed. Complained to council and they said that an application had been made for a dropped kerb and appropriate street paint lineage but hadn't yet been approved or whayever they do. Wharehouse had gone along with their rollerdoor install anyway and assumed rights.
hey ho.
Went out on the piss. Next day had a message from the flat security where I lived that the police wanted me.
my car was found abandoned in the road and looked like it had been in an accident. Had bwen towed and was in the pound.
Picked up car and paid the fine next day had clearly been lifted by a fork lift and dumped.
Car was f
ked. Both doors bent and sill bent.complained to the police. They totally couldn't give a monkeys. They still thought I had dumped it after an accident whilst pissed. Complained to council and they said that an application had been made for a dropped kerb and appropriate street paint lineage but hadn't yet been approved or whayever they do. Wharehouse had gone along with their rollerdoor install anyway and assumed rights.
hey ho.
Snowboy said:
4rephill said:
Snowboy said:
..........If it was me, I'd block them in, and put a note on their car saying to come onto the office and you'll move your car.
Then ask them not to do it again quite firmly
And if they decide to bring the Police in with them then you can be informed of the offence you've just committed! Then ask them not to do it again quite firmly
I'd be willing to bet a dollar that a cop wouldn't arrest or charge for blocking in a car like that, especially if you say you'll move for them.
Realistically, by the time the cops arrive you would probably have driven home anyway.
hora said:
Personally I would not block someone in or stick very sticky tape to someones car.
If they are thick-skinned enough to ignore you, adding another dimension with their property blocked or tarnished regardless of the cars condition may flip an idiot.
This is what worries me.If they are thick-skinned enough to ignore you, adding another dimension with their property blocked or tarnished regardless of the cars condition may flip an idiot.
I have a d
head builder that keeps using one of my spaces. I have asked him not to but he continues regardless. The selfish mentality of some people beggars belief.The OP has not explained why he cannot use a barrier. Is this a matter of topography and/or of lease conditions? Lockable bollards sound like a good idea, subject to suitability of surface and landlord permission. As noted above, the cost of installing those is an operating cost for the business. You pay locksmith and/or security and/or insurance charges to protect your business against theft, so carrying costs in relation to anti social behaviour is much the same thing.
Out of curiousity, what is your business? Is it perhaps a baker where every morning you have a lot of leftover bread from the business day before? In that cas you are doing your bit for the local Bird population by scattering bread crumbs on the land behind your property???
(Disclaimer, I by no means condone this and this post is purely tongue and cheek)
(Disclaimer, I by no means condone this and this post is purely tongue and cheek)
hora said:
Personally I would not block someone in or stick very sticky tape to someones car.
If they are thick-skinned enough to ignore you, adding another dimension with their property blocked or tarnished regardless of the cars condition may flip an idiot.
Better to block access to the spaces for a week or so. It'll help reset peoples mindset/routine and they'll get used to park elsewhere.
I'd go with this. Habits die hard. It can take people awhile to accept change has occurred. If they are unable to get in it will force them to find other places to park then the new places will become the new habit.If they are thick-skinned enough to ignore you, adding another dimension with their property blocked or tarnished regardless of the cars condition may flip an idiot.
Better to block access to the spaces for a week or so. It'll help reset peoples mindset/routine and they'll get used to park elsewhere.
As others have said. There is only one legal answer, use a barrier.
There MUST be a way to use a barrier, there are all sorts of commercial solutions available.
I the very worst buy an old banger and block the entrance yourselves. The first employee in can remove it.
Blocking parkers in is illegal
Damaging/sabotaging their vehicles is illegal
Sticking things to the vehicle the impede the drivers vision is possibly illegal, it would certainly be a contributor to a claim if an accident occurred.
There MUST be a way to use a barrier, there are all sorts of commercial solutions available.
I the very worst buy an old banger and block the entrance yourselves. The first employee in can remove it.
Blocking parkers in is illegal
Damaging/sabotaging their vehicles is illegal
Sticking things to the vehicle the impede the drivers vision is possibly illegal, it would certainly be a contributor to a claim if an accident occurred.
Sorry to go slightly OT, but similar.
My old man's premises has a private car park. It is gated but the gates are open for about an hour from 7-8am and open again at about 4-6pm as staff arrive and leave.
Being so close to brum centre, he sometimes still manages to get the odd car park in spaces by the gate, sometimes still left after usual business closing time when he needs to lock the gates as the vans are left there overnight, or cars if someone has taken a van home, and there are roller shutters into a storage building with a great deal of expensive materials.
There has been 3 occasions he has thought stuff them and locked the gates until the following morning but that has caused issues with BiB.
If there was a huge sign, on the gate, and right in front of the spaces informing people that the car park is locked between the hours of 6pm and 7am, would this suffice? It's unreasonable to expect a land owner to risk the security of his premises because he cannot use the security measures he paid good money to put in place. The local arboretum car park has signs like this.
My old man's premises has a private car park. It is gated but the gates are open for about an hour from 7-8am and open again at about 4-6pm as staff arrive and leave.
Being so close to brum centre, he sometimes still manages to get the odd car park in spaces by the gate, sometimes still left after usual business closing time when he needs to lock the gates as the vans are left there overnight, or cars if someone has taken a van home, and there are roller shutters into a storage building with a great deal of expensive materials.
There has been 3 occasions he has thought stuff them and locked the gates until the following morning but that has caused issues with BiB.
If there was a huge sign, on the gate, and right in front of the spaces informing people that the car park is locked between the hours of 6pm and 7am, would this suffice? It's unreasonable to expect a land owner to risk the security of his premises because he cannot use the security measures he paid good money to put in place. The local arboretum car park has signs like this.
How about a few of these for the parking spaces themselves?
http://www.theworkplacedepot.co.uk/hinged-padlock-...
http://www.theworkplacedepot.co.uk/hinged-padlock-...
Edited by wibblebrain on Wednesday 27th August 13:54
blueg33 said:
Protection of Freedoms Act (or whatever its called)
Yes that's the one,, as stated on countless threads like this. However, surely there is a loophole/exceptions of sorts like this?
They have knowingly parked there on private land, and there will be signs in front of them stating the car park will be locked. Its not someone playing clever buggers using a car or skip to prove a point, its something which is done everyday regardless, securing the premises. If left, it leaves several vans at a higher risk, who's insurance states they are on a locked private carpark at night, and the entrance to the building is within the car park.
He plans to use these signs on the wall infront of each space saying private parking, owners risk and that it will be locked, again so it can be seen as you're walking back out the carpark. And if someone is locked in he wants to leave a notice on the gate stating it will be opened backup at 7am the following day (except sundays)
CCTV would even show the routine every day so show it wasn't a one off to trap the car.
ETA: Edited to add a little more detail
Edited by dancole90 on Wednesday 27th August 13:48
Edited by dancole90 on Wednesday 27th August 13:49
dancole90 said:
blueg33 said:
Protection of Freedoms Act (or whatever its called)
Yes, as stated on countless threads like this. However, surely there is a loophole of sorts like this? They have parked there on private land, and will have seen a large sign infront of them stating the carpark will be locked. Its not someone playing clever buggars using a car or skip, its something which is done everyday, securing the premises. There would be insurance issues if left unlocked because the van insurance says there is a locked carpark at night.My twenty space car park intended for employees is regularly used by anoyone who doesn't want to pay the fees in the multistory car park opposite, and there seems bugger all that can be done about it.
We put up a very expensive barrier, it was snapped in two within twenty four hours, police not interested.
We used an outside clamping firm which people just ignored.
When a particular perpetrator with his van was identified being a neighbour a few doors down from the site. He was sent a letter politely asking him not to park there. Within a week we had a brick thrown through the windows of the property. He still parks in the car park, becomes abusive if anyone approaches him and makes mild inference to how many windows will it take to make his point. Police not interested
Floor barriers are an option but would soon be vandalised. Furthermore a recent inspection by a surveyor for rent reasons and confirmation by accounts suggest that if you restrict the use of a privately owned car park to staff only, you become liable for its percieved benefit to their salaries. In effect you have to pay the government a fee for just owning it.
So I have a good deal of sympathy with the op, because there seems no way to restrict the use of a private carpark legally.
We put up a very expensive barrier, it was snapped in two within twenty four hours, police not interested.
We used an outside clamping firm which people just ignored.
When a particular perpetrator with his van was identified being a neighbour a few doors down from the site. He was sent a letter politely asking him not to park there. Within a week we had a brick thrown through the windows of the property. He still parks in the car park, becomes abusive if anyone approaches him and makes mild inference to how many windows will it take to make his point. Police not interested
Floor barriers are an option but would soon be vandalised. Furthermore a recent inspection by a surveyor for rent reasons and confirmation by accounts suggest that if you restrict the use of a privately owned car park to staff only, you become liable for its percieved benefit to their salaries. In effect you have to pay the government a fee for just owning it.
So I have a good deal of sympathy with the op, because there seems no way to restrict the use of a private carpark legally.
julian64 said:
My twenty space car park intended for employees is regularly used by anoyone who doesn't want to pay the fees in the multistory car park opposite, and there seems bugger all that can be done about it.
We put up a very expensive barrier, it was snapped in two within twenty four hours, police not interested.
We used an outside clamping firm which people just ignored.
When a particular perpetrator with his van was identified being a neighbour a few doors down from the site. He was sent a letter politely asking him not to park there. Within a week we had a brick thrown through the windows of the property. He still parks in the car park, becomes abusive if anyone approaches him and makes mild inference to how many windows will it take to make his point. Police not interested
Floor barriers are an option but would soon be vandalised. Furthermore a recent inspection by a surveyor for rent reasons and confirmation by accounts suggest that if you restrict the use of a privately owned car park to staff only, you become liable for its percieved benefit to their salaries. In effect you have to pay the government a fee for just owning it.
So I have a good deal of sympathy with the op, because there seems no way to restrict the use of a private carpark legally.
I'd be hugely tempted to put a brick through his van windows, but not on your property obviously We put up a very expensive barrier, it was snapped in two within twenty four hours, police not interested.
We used an outside clamping firm which people just ignored.
When a particular perpetrator with his van was identified being a neighbour a few doors down from the site. He was sent a letter politely asking him not to park there. Within a week we had a brick thrown through the windows of the property. He still parks in the car park, becomes abusive if anyone approaches him and makes mild inference to how many windows will it take to make his point. Police not interested
Floor barriers are an option but would soon be vandalised. Furthermore a recent inspection by a surveyor for rent reasons and confirmation by accounts suggest that if you restrict the use of a privately owned car park to staff only, you become liable for its percieved benefit to their salaries. In effect you have to pay the government a fee for just owning it.
So I have a good deal of sympathy with the op, because there seems no way to restrict the use of a private carpark legally.
Afromonk said:
julian64 said:
My twenty space car park intended for employees is regularly used by anoyone who doesn't want to pay the fees in the multistory car park opposite, and there seems bugger all that can be done about it.
We put up a very expensive barrier, it was snapped in two within twenty four hours, police not interested.
We used an outside clamping firm which people just ignored.
When a particular perpetrator with his van was identified being a neighbour a few doors down from the site. He was sent a letter politely asking him not to park there. Within a week we had a brick thrown through the windows of the property. He still parks in the car park, becomes abusive if anyone approaches him and makes mild inference to how many windows will it take to make his point. Police not interested
Floor barriers are an option but would soon be vandalised. Furthermore a recent inspection by a surveyor for rent reasons and confirmation by accounts suggest that if you restrict the use of a privately owned car park to staff only, you become liable for its percieved benefit to their salaries. In effect you have to pay the government a fee for just owning it.
So I have a good deal of sympathy with the op, because there seems no way to restrict the use of a private carpark legally.
I'd be hugely tempted to put a brick through his van windows, but not on your property obviously We put up a very expensive barrier, it was snapped in two within twenty four hours, police not interested.
We used an outside clamping firm which people just ignored.
When a particular perpetrator with his van was identified being a neighbour a few doors down from the site. He was sent a letter politely asking him not to park there. Within a week we had a brick thrown through the windows of the property. He still parks in the car park, becomes abusive if anyone approaches him and makes mild inference to how many windows will it take to make his point. Police not interested
Floor barriers are an option but would soon be vandalised. Furthermore a recent inspection by a surveyor for rent reasons and confirmation by accounts suggest that if you restrict the use of a privately owned car park to staff only, you become liable for its percieved benefit to their salaries. In effect you have to pay the government a fee for just owning it.
So I have a good deal of sympathy with the op, because there seems no way to restrict the use of a private carpark legally.
I've posted this a couple of times on PH, but tend to get shouted down by the many posters talking about how they were abused by parking enforcement cowboys.
Interesting we had a lady with a range rover who parked in our carpark, during her time away some scrote chopped her exhaust pipe in two to remove her catalyst (I kid you not). We ended up getting a letter from her suggesting we contribute to the cost of repair.
We have had similar from a chap with damage to his tyres from a pothole in the carpark.
We went to our solicitors and instead of laughing, his first question was what signage do we have up. He wanted us to stick up a 'park at your own risk'
So according to joe public.
It a free service we provide.
We should pay the government for their human right to park on it.
Any damage sustained to them is our problem.
It is effectively public property, unless it requires policing, at which point it is most definately private property.
Park anywhere outside it and the local traffic warden will find you in seconds to swell their coffers.
Its a laugh.
blueg33 said:
Protection of Freedoms Act (or whatever its called)
Yes, as stated on countless threads like this. However, surely there is a loophole of sorts like this? They have parked there on private land, and will have seen a large sign infront of them stating the carpark will be locked. Its not someone playing clever buggars using a car or skip, its something which is done everyday, securing the premises. There would be insurance issues if left unlocked because the van insurance says there is a locked carpark at night.julian64 said:
My twenty space car park intended for employees is regularly used by anoyone who doesn't want to pay the fees in the multistory car park opposite, and there seems bugger all that can be done about it.
We put up a very expensive barrier, it was snapped in two within twenty four hours, police not interested.
We used an outside clamping firm which people just ignored.
When a particular perpetrator with his van was identified being a neighbour a few doors down from the site. He was sent a letter politely asking him not to park there. Within a week we had a brick thrown through the windows of the property. He still parks in the car park, becomes abusive if anyone approaches him and makes mild inference to how many windows will it take to make his point. Police not interested
Floor barriers are an option but would soon be vandalised. Furthermore a recent inspection by a surveyor for rent reasons and confirmation by accounts suggest that if you restrict the use of a privately owned car park to staff only, you become liable for its percieved benefit to their salaries. In effect you have to pay the government a fee for just owning it.
So I have a good deal of sympathy with the op, because there seems no way to restrict the use of a private carpark legally.
Sugar/piss in the fuel tank?We put up a very expensive barrier, it was snapped in two within twenty four hours, police not interested.
We used an outside clamping firm which people just ignored.
When a particular perpetrator with his van was identified being a neighbour a few doors down from the site. He was sent a letter politely asking him not to park there. Within a week we had a brick thrown through the windows of the property. He still parks in the car park, becomes abusive if anyone approaches him and makes mild inference to how many windows will it take to make his point. Police not interested
Floor barriers are an option but would soon be vandalised. Furthermore a recent inspection by a surveyor for rent reasons and confirmation by accounts suggest that if you restrict the use of a privately owned car park to staff only, you become liable for its percieved benefit to their salaries. In effect you have to pay the government a fee for just owning it.
So I have a good deal of sympathy with the op, because there seems no way to restrict the use of a private carpark legally.
Restore the barrier - set up CCTV - and prosecute for criminal damage to the barrier / windows as appropriate?
blueg33 said:
As others have said. There is only one legal answer, use a barrier.
There MUST be a way to use a barrier, there are all sorts of commercial solutions available.
I the very worst buy an old banger and block the entrance yourselves. The first employee in can remove it.
Blocking parkers in is illegal
Damaging/sabotaging their vehicles is illegal
Sticking things to the vehicle the impede the drivers vision is possibly illegal, it would certainly be a contributor to a claim if an accident occurred.
No it wouldn't. There MUST be a way to use a barrier, there are all sorts of commercial solutions available.
I the very worst buy an old banger and block the entrance yourselves. The first employee in can remove it.
Blocking parkers in is illegal
Damaging/sabotaging their vehicles is illegal
Sticking things to the vehicle the impede the drivers vision is possibly illegal, it would certainly be a contributor to a claim if an accident occurred.
julian64 said:
My twenty space car park intended for employees is regularly used by anoyone who doesn't want to pay the fees in the multistory car park opposite, and there seems bugger all that can be done about it.
We put up a very expensive barrier, it was snapped in two within twenty four hours, police not interested.
We used an outside clamping firm which people just ignored.
When a particular perpetrator with his van was identified being a neighbour a few doors down from the site. He was sent a letter politely asking him not to park there. Within a week we had a brick thrown through the windows of the property. He still parks in the car park, becomes abusive if anyone approaches him and makes mild inference to how many windows will it take to make his point. Police not interested
Floor barriers are an option but would soon be vandalised. Furthermore a recent inspection by a surveyor for rent reasons and confirmation by accounts suggest that if you restrict the use of a privately owned car park to staff only, you become liable for its percieved benefit to their salaries. In effect you have to pay the government a fee for just owning it.
So I have a good deal of sympathy with the op, because there seems no way to restrict the use of a private carpark legally.
Really? The police aren't interested in criminal damage? If so smash his van up, the police won't be interested. If that's too much for you, then block him in over and over again, after all the police won't be interested from what you've said. We put up a very expensive barrier, it was snapped in two within twenty four hours, police not interested.
We used an outside clamping firm which people just ignored.
When a particular perpetrator with his van was identified being a neighbour a few doors down from the site. He was sent a letter politely asking him not to park there. Within a week we had a brick thrown through the windows of the property. He still parks in the car park, becomes abusive if anyone approaches him and makes mild inference to how many windows will it take to make his point. Police not interested
Floor barriers are an option but would soon be vandalised. Furthermore a recent inspection by a surveyor for rent reasons and confirmation by accounts suggest that if you restrict the use of a privately owned car park to staff only, you become liable for its percieved benefit to their salaries. In effect you have to pay the government a fee for just owning it.
So I have a good deal of sympathy with the op, because there seems no way to restrict the use of a private carpark legally.
LoonR1 said:
Really? The police aren't interested in criminal damage? If so smash his van up, the police won't be interested. If that's too much for you, then block him in over and over again, after all the police won't be interested from what you've said.
They are probably not interested in criminal damage if there's no obvious way to prove who the culprit is. Hence the CCTV suggestion......Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff